Supreme Court of Canada – [2010] 1 S.C.R 557
Quebec ConsultationEnvironmental assessmentTreatiesSummary
Because of this decision, both federal and provincial environmental assessment processes must be conducted in some cases, sometimes resulting in duplication.
The Court addresses the interpretation of modern treaties such as the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement. It concludes that since they resemble modern contracts a lot more than historical treaties, they should not be interpreted with the same liberal rules.
Issue
Does the JBNQA exempt a mining project within its territory from an independent environmental assessment inquiry by the federal government?
Supreme Court of Canada – [2005] 3 S.C.R. 388
Alberta ConsultationHonour of the CrownTreatiesSummary
Mikisew is a leading case in aboriginal law. The Court applied the consultation criteria established in Haïda and Taku River for the first time, here in a treaty case. The rules surrounding consultation when a treaty is involved were specified.
The honour of the Crown is omnipresent, and the duty to consult is engaged as soon as the Crown knows of a project that could harm Aboriginal peoples’ interests.
Issue
Did the Crown have a duty to consult the Mikisew Cree First Nation?
Supreme Court of Canada – [2004] 3 S.C.R. 511
British Columbia ConsultationHonour of the CrownSummary
Haida is one of the most frequently cited cases regarding aboriginal rights.
Based on the principle of the honour of the Crown, which was elaborated by the Court, this decision affirms that the Crown must consult Aboriginals as soon as it has it has “real or constructive” knowledge “of the potential existence” of an Aboriginal right or title that may be adversely affected by the contemplated conduct.
Issue
What are the Crown’s obligations to consult and to accommodate Aboriginals when they are in the process of establishing an Aboriginal title?
Supreme Court of Canada – [2010] 3 S.C.R. 103
Yukon ConsultationHonour of the CrownTreatiesSummary
This decision defines the Crown’s duty of consultation and accommodation in the context of modern treaties. Although modern treaties may be more detailed and precise than historic treaties, the honour of the Crown can dictate that there be consultation and accommodation in the instances where rights are affected and the treaty has no procedural provision.
In this manner, “recent” treaties can “evolve” according to the applicable law in Canada. “Reconciliation in the Yukon, as elsewhere, is not an accomplished fact. It is a work in progress.” (par. 52 of the decision)
Issue
Does the Government of Yukon have a duty to consult the First Nation of Little Salmon/Carmacks pursuant to a treaty before approving the land grant of 65 hectares to a resident, Larry Paulsen? If yes, what is the scope of this obligation?
Supreme Court of Canada – 2013 SCC 26
British Columbia Aboriginal rightsAbuse of processConsultationSummary
The Supreme Court tackles a long standing issue in aboriginal law: can Aboriginal individuals assert ancestral rights?
The Court decided that unless an individual was appointed to represent its First Nation as an ensemble in the defense of its rights, he or she can not assert a breach to the Crown’s duty to consult.
Individuals can nonetheless, in some instances, ask the government to discuss with them directly or assert their rights before the court when they have interest in an aboriginal or treaty right with an individual aspect
Issue
Supreme Court of Canada – [2010] 2 S.C.R. 650
British Columbia Aboriginal rightsConsultationHonour of the CrownTraditional territorySummary
This decision confirmed that First Nations can obtain compensation for lack of consultation. Any effect on an Aboriginal right must be harmful and novel in order to trigger a duty to consult. If the resource was modified a long time ago and the government action poses no new threat, the obligation is to compensate and not to consult.
Issue
Is the British Columbia Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) required to consider the issue of consultation with the CSTC First Nations in determining whether the sale of excess power from a dam to a Crown corporation is in the public interest? Does the duty to consult apply in situations where a land claim is pending?
Supreme Court of Canada – [2004] 3 S.C.R. 550
British Columbia ConsultationEnvironmental assessmentHonour of the CrownSummary
This decision was delivered on the same day as Haïda. It is one of the most referred to cases in Aboriginal peoples’ consultation and accommodation.
The Supreme Court establishes that the Crown does not have to create an independent consultation process for Aboriginals. Consultation can be included in broader environmental evaluation processes.
Issue
Did the province correctly consult and accommodate the Taku River Tlingit First Nation?